Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Methods and
Techniques
of Data
Collection

AFIFAH IKRIMAH
5BA
5- 061830900608
© Dipak Kumar Bhattacharyya, 2006, 2003
Three Major Techniques for
Collecting Data:
1. Questionnaires
2. Interviews
3. Observation

2
Questionnaire Technique

3
 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Questionnaire Technique
Gather data by asking questions from people who are thought to have the
desired information.

When information is to be collected by asking questions to people who

may have the desired data, a standardized form called questionnaire is
prepared.

The questionnaire has a list of questions to be asked in a desired

sequence and spaces in which the respondents record the answers.

Cont….

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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Usefulness of Questionnaire Technique

This method of data collection is quite popular,

particularly in case of big enquires. It is being adopted
by private individuals, research workers, private and
public organisations .

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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Questionnaire Technique
Advantages
 Yield broaden range of information compared with direct observation. One can
not know by observation why buyer makes particular purchases or what is his
opinion about a product.

 Fast

 Economical/low cost than observation method.

 By mailing or sending questionnaire by post the respondents who are not

approachable can also be reached conviently.
Cont….

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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

 Limitations

 Unwillingness of respondent to provide information. This requires

salesmanship on the part of the interviewer. The interviewer may assure that
the information will be kept secret. Motivating respondents with some token
gifts often yield result.

 Inability of respondents due to lack of knowledge.

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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Essentials of a good questionnaire

1. To be successful, questionnaire should be comparatively
short and simple i.e. the size of the questionnaire should
be kept as minimum.

2. Questions should proceed in logical sequence from easy

to more difficult questions.

3. Personal and intimate questions should be left to the

end.

4. Technical terms and vague expressions capable of

different interpretations should be avoided.
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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

5. Questions may be dichotomous (Yes or No answers),

multiple choice ( alternative answers listed) or open-
ended. The latter type of questions are often difficult to
analyse and hence should be avoided in a
questionnaire to the extent possible.
6. Questions affecting the sentiments of
respondents should be avoided.
7. Adequate space for answers should be provided in the
questionnaire to help editing and tabulation.
8. There should always be provision for indications of
uncertainty, e.g. ‘do not know’, “no preference” and so
on.
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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

9. Brief directions with regard to filling up the questionnaire

should invariably be given in the questionnaire itself.

10. Finally, the physical appearance of the questionnaire

affects the cooperation the researcher receives from the
recipients. Therefore, attractive looking questionnaire
particularly in mail surveys, is a plus point for getting
cooperation. The quality of the paper, along with its
colour , must be good so that it may attract the attention
of the recipients.

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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Construction of a Questionnaire
 Decide what information is wanted

 Decide the type of questions

 Decide the content of individual questions

 Decide the wording of questions

 Decide the sequence of questions

 Make a preliminary draft and pretest it( i.e. conduct ‘Pilot study or
survey’)*

 Revise and prepare the final draft

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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Before using the questionnaire method, it is always

advisable to conduct “ Pilot study” or “Pilot survey” for
testing the questionnaire. This Pilot survey is very much
significant in case of big inquiries. Such a survey , being
conducted by experts , brings to the light the weaknesses (if
any) of the questionnaires and also of the survey techniques.
From the experience gained in this way, improvement can be
made in the questionnaire

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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Schedule Method

This method of data collection is very much similar to the

method of collecting data by using questionnaire. A Schedule
is a Proforma that contains a set of questions which are asked
and filled by an interviewer ( called enumerators who are
specially appointed for the purpose) in a face to face
interaction.

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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

These enumerators along with Schedules, go to the

respondents, put to them the questions from the
proforma in the order the questions are listed and
record the replies in the space meant for the same in
the proforma. In certain situations, schedules may be
handed over to respondents and enumerators may
help them in recording their answers to various
questions in the said Schedules. Enumerators explain
the aim or objective of the investigation and also
remove the difficulties which any respondent may
feel in understanding any particular question or
concept. © Dipak Kumar Bhattacharyya, 2006, 2003

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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Continued…….
The above method requires the selection of the enumerators and such
selection should be done carefully.

The enumerators should be trained to perform their job well and the
nature and scope of the investigation should be explained to them
thoroughly so that they may understand the meaning of each
questions put in the schedule.

Enumerators should be intelligent and must posses the capability of

cross-examination to find out the truth .

Above all, they should be sincere, hardworking, honest and should

have patience.
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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Distinction Between Schedule and Questionnai re

S.No. Description Schedule Questionnaire
1. Non-response from Very because they High as many people do not
low respondents are filled by enumerators responded many return it
who are able to without answering all
get answers to all questions.
questions.
2. Contact with respondents Direct contact may or may
Direct contact exist. not exist as it can be sent by
post also.
3. Coverage of area Limited geographical area wider geographical area
as difficulty lies in sending coverage is possible.
enumerators over
a relatively wider area.

4. Reliability of data High. The information Less. Risk of collecting

collected is generally incomplete and wrong
collection complete and accurate as information is high,
enumerators can remove particularly when people are
difficulties, if any, faced by unable to understand
respondents in correctly questions properly. Cont….
understanding the
questions.
© Dipak Kumar Bhattacharyya, 2006, 2003
 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

S.No. Description Schedule

Questionnaire
6. Interviewer Bias and Relatively high Relatively low.
cheating

7. Here the success Here the success lies on the

Success mainly depends on quality, physical appearance
and competence
the honesty of of the questionnaire.
enumerators not on the
attractive looks as they are
filled by enumerators not
by respondents.

8. Education level of the Information can be Can be used only when

respondents gathered even when respondents are literate and
the respondents are cooperative.
illiterate.
9. Cost Relatively Expensive since Relatively cheaper since we
considerable amount have to spend money only in
money
of is spent in preparing the questionnaire
appointing enumerators and sending the same to the
and preparing schedules. respondents.
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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Secondary Data
It is the data already been collected by others which may be published or
unpublished. This data is primary data for the agency that collects it and becomes
secondary data for someone else who uses this data for his own purpose.

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 Methods and Techniques of Data Collection

Methods of Secondary Data Collection

 Various publications of the central and state govt.

 Various publication of foreign governments/institutions

 Technical & trade journals

 Book, magazines and news-paper

 Reports and publications of universities/institutions

 Census reports

 Reports prepared by research scholars

 Researcher must ensure the reliability, suitability and adequacy of

secondary data.
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